woman jogging

When to Get a Referral

A referral to a Physical Therapist is appropriate for women with:

  • Painful intercourse

  • Painful pelvic exams

  • Difficulty with normal daily activities like sitting, standing, walking

  • Chronic constipation

  • Urinary urgency, frequency, retention

  • Chronic low back, hip, sacroiliac pain

  • Pain that travels down the leg

  • Abdominal pain

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How successful is Preeti's treatment?

90 - 95% of Preeti's patients achieve full resolution of their pelvic floor muscle spasm, most experience a marked reduction of their symptoms.

Is this treatment covered by insurance?

Yes, usually the treatment is covered the same as any out-patient physical therapy. Please call Preeti at 703-698-7100, ext. 337 to discuss your specific insurance.

What is the frequency & duration of the PT?

For patients with chronic pelvic pain conditions that have been present for years (these are the majority of Preeti's patients) the frequency of treatment is 1x each week for an average of 9-11 visits. For patients who have developed their pain following pelvic reconstructive surgery the frequency of physical therapy is weekly for an average of 4 - 8 visits.

Will the examination & treatment hurt?

No. Both the initial examination and follow-up treatment visits are usually not painful; however tight muscles are usually tender to touch so you may experience some tenderness during physical therapy treatment. Preeti works in collaboration with her patients to ensure the exam and treatment are well tolerated.

Do pain & muscle tension return once PT is completed?

One of the unique aspects of the pelvic floor muscles is that they are not very reactive muscles. Once the tension is resolved, it does not return in ~75% of Preeti's patients. If there is a co-existing problem such as vulvodynia, painful bladder syndrome, fibromyalgia, etc., the pelvic floor muscles will have a greater tendency to re-develop tension. For those patients infrequent physical therapy appointments may be necessary to help maintain the reduced tension.